OKX sign-up guide

A large global crypto exchange, operating since 2017

The link above is a referral (affiliate) link; this site may earn a commission if you sign up through it. This site is not operated by OKX.

At a glance

TypeOverseas exchange

Launched2017 (formerly OKEx, renamed OKX in 2022)

KRW depositNot supported directly

Main productsSpot, derivatives, Earn

WalletAlso offers a self-custody Web3 wallet

Identity checkPhoto ID (KYC) required

AppiOS and Android

B Another exchange guide: BinanceBasics, sign-up flow and cautions →

Check these before you start

Transfer network: when sending from a domestic exchange, match both the address and the network (chain) shown on OKX's deposit screen — a mismatch can lose the funds for good. Coins such as XRP also need a tag (memo); always fill it in. Test with a small amount first.
Travel rule: a domestic exchange may ask you to register the receiving exchange and recipient details, or verify the address, before an overseas withdrawal, and some exchanges may not be available as a destination. Check your domestic exchange's withdrawal screen before sending.
Derivatives: with leveraged products such as futures and perpetual swaps, a small move against you can wipe out the margin (liquidation). Until you understand how they work, spot alone is enough.
Phishing: use only the app from the official app store or the official address you type yourself. Never log in through links in search ads, texts or DMs, and never share a seed phrase or verification code with anyone. This site will never ask for your login details.

Income earned on an overseas exchange is still taxable, and holdings above certain thresholds can trigger foreign account reporting duties. Sorting out the tax side before you start trading is far easier than doing it afterwards.

This page is general information about the exchange and is not investment advice. It is an independent guide and is not operated by OKX. Crypto carries the risk of losing your capital. Fees, benefits, supported features and available regions change frequently — always confirm the current details on the official site.

What kind of exchange is OKX?

OKX is a global crypto exchange that started in 2017 as OKEx and took its current name in 2022. It offers spot trading, derivatives such as futures, perpetual swaps and options, and Earn products for putting coins to work, and it also runs a Web3 wallet in which you hold the keys yourself, separate from the exchange account. As an overseas exchange it cannot take Korean won directly, so Korean users usually buy a coin such as USDT or XRP on a domestic exchange and send it to their OKX deposit address. This page is not run by OKX; it is an independent guide to what to know before signing up.

How signing up works

Creating the account takes a few minutes, but to actually deposit and trade you need to finish identity verification and security setup as well. The order is roughly as below; screens and steps can change with OKX policy.

Create an account: sign up with an email address or phone number, only in the app from the official app store or on the official address you type yourself.
Verify your identity (KYC): most features, including deposits and trading, unlock only after ID and face verification.
Set up security: turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) and, where available, extra protection such as a withdrawal address whitelist.
Deposit: buy a coin on a domestic exchange, then send it using exactly the address and network shown on OKX's deposit screen. Test the first transfer with a small amount.
Trade: start with spot; consider leveraged derivatives only once you understand how liquidation works.

Common mistakes

The same coin can exist on several networks (chains). If the sending and receiving networks differ, the funds may be unrecoverable.
For coins such as XRP that need a tag (memo), entering the address without the tag means the deposit is not credited.
Under the travel rule, a domestic exchange may ask for the receiving exchange and recipient details on overseas withdrawals. Read the withdrawal screen first.
Treat anyone who contacts you first claiming to be OKX staff or support as a likely scam. Never share a seed phrase or verification code.

Frequently asked questions

What difference does a referral link make?

Signing up through a referral link can apply benefits under whatever referral programme the exchange runs at the time. The exact benefit and its conditions change with exchange policy, so check what is shown on the sign-up screen itself. This site may earn a commission on sign-ups through the link.

Can I deposit Korean won directly?

No. As an overseas exchange it cannot accept KRW directly. People usually buy a coin such as USDT or XRP on a domestic exchange and send it to their OKX deposit address — double-check that the address and network match.

How is it different from a domestic exchange?

The biggest difference is KRW in and out. A domestic exchange takes won directly through a verified bank account, while an overseas one needs you to transfer crypto in. In exchange, the range of listed assets and derivatives is usually wider.

What are the fees?

Fees depend on your volume, account tier and the product, and the policy changes often. Rather than memorising a number, get into the habit of checking the official fee page before you trade.

How is the Web3 wallet different from the exchange account?

Assets in the exchange account are held by the exchange; in the Web3 wallet you hold them yourself through a seed phrase. With self-custody nobody can recover the funds if you lose the seed phrase, so write it down and keep it safely offline.

This guide is general information, not investment advice. This site is not operated by OKX. Features, fees and available regions can change — check the official site for current details.

📚 Worth reading

🏦What to look at when choosing an exchange→ 📮Crypto Transfer Mistakes: Network, Address and Memo→ 🪟Several Coins on One Screen: Altcoins Versus Bitcoin→ 📋Building a Crypto Watchlist: Liquidity, Listings, Info→

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